John William Knott
Jan. 28, 1873-Feb. 29, 1940
Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 1, 1940, page 1, col. 6-7, continued page 2, microfilm Niles District Library
John William Knott, 67, Musician, Craftsman, Dies
John William Knott, who was born in Niles in 1873 and had worked almost continuously for 57 years on the restoration of antiques, died in Pawating hospital Thursday night. His death followed a brief illness.
Mr. Knott was associated with many of the old time musicians here. He started as a member of the Niles city band at the age of 15, later becoming a member of the Elbel band and orchestra in South Bend, one of the famous bands of this section of the country.
For years he was associated with the Parreant orchestra of South Bend which played in the Oliver theater and the old auditorium, the site now occupied by Robertson's store.
Long Musical Career
William played the clarinet; his later brother, Charles, the cornet. Mr. Knott discontinued his musical work about 10 years ago. The Knott store at 13 east Main street has for years been the gathering place of the musical clan of the early days. It walls carry pictures of bands and orchestras in Niles and others with which the brothers ere associated.
There, too, Mr. Knott started working with his father, a craftsman who had learned cabinet making in Germany. Through him the two sons, William and Charles, became skilled workmen later specializing in the refinishing of fine old pieces of furniture.
Many of Niles' old families have pieces that were made in the Knott shop and other treasured heirlooms that have been refinished and remodeled there.
Had Wide Clientele
Their clientele included patrons from Chicago who brought to Niles valuable old furniture which was restored at the Knott shop. William Knott started working with his father . .[illegible] . . . both their business and recreational activities for many years.
Mr. Knott was born in Niles Jan. 28, 1973. He was married in Milwaukee, July 2, 1900, to Miss Emma Studley, who survives. He also leaves two sisters, Miss Minnie Knott and Mrs. William Duval, both of Niles.
Funeral services will be Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the Price and Kiger chapel, the Rev. J. Kenneth Hoffmaster officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends may call at the Price and Kiger funeral home.